Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87181 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87181 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Get some rest, all right?” he ordered. “Like Mom always says, the sun always rises in the morning.”
That was a nice thought.
“Hey, Alec?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think we’re cursed? When it comes to love?”
He snickered. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“No, I mean it. Do you think Mom and Dad’s love for one another is so strong that nothing we come across can match that energy?”
“Of course not, Holly. There’s not some weird curse lingering over us. I think sometimes bad people do bad things and break hearts. Then, other times, I think we get in our own way.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I thought we weren’t doing the heart-to-heart thing?” he joked.
“Yes, well…” A weighted sigh fell from my lips. “My heart’s a little tired. It could use a bit of comfort.”
He smiled, but it felt more like a frown. He crossed his arms and leaned against my doorframe. “Kai’s a good one, Holly. Yeah, he has his baggage, and his ex did something completely stupid, but he didn’t do it. He cares about you more than I’d seen anyone care for a person—outside of Dad and Mom. So, maybe consider giving him another chance. He’s one of the good ones. You know how far and in-between those are, especially in this city. Get some sleep. It’s late.”
I did as he said, taking his words to heart. As I closed my eyes, I prayed for clarity. Knowing that even though my heart was tired, the sun would still rise come morning.
KAI
Somehow, I’d avoided dinner with my parents until New Year’s Eve came around. I’d overheard my father telling Mom that I was ungrateful for not entertaining them over the past few days. As if they weren’t rude for bashing into my life uninvited. Mano did his best to keep the peace in the household, but it was almost impossible. Whenever I did anything, my parents seemed to have an opinion on my choices.
Why are you opening that can with an automatic can opener? The handheld ones work better.
Your garbage disposal needs good bleaching.
You’re going to ruin your shirts by hanging them on those plastic hangers.
That’s a pretty small television in your living room. Let me gift you a new one. I know you wouldn’t do the same for us, but I’d like to offer you a new TV.
Their seemingly kind gestures came with a passive-aggressiveness that made my skin crawl. Their ability to nitpick at everything was impressive. Who knew the way someone put on a roll of toilet paper could lead to World War III?
I counted the minutes until they headed to the airport later that evening. They were taking a taxi right after dinner, and I couldn’t wait to wave them off to wherever the hell it was they were going to after they finished ruining the end of my year.
“It’s about time you made it to one of our dinner outings,” Mom mentioned as I walked into Rare steakhouse. It was one of the best steakhouses in the city. At least I was going to get a good meal from the dreadful dining experience with my parents.
“I told you, I had a busy few days,” I mentioned. “I would’ve planned some free time if you had made me aware of your arrival beforehand.”
“Yes, well, you must forgive us for thinking otherwise, seeing you go out of your way to avoid us whenever we’re in town.”
I didn’t argue that assessment. I didn’t argue anything. I put my napkin in my lap, picked up my menu, and prayed for time to move quickly.
Mano sat beside me and smiled, trying his best not to make the dinner uncomfortable. “I was thinking of signing up for Habitat for Humanity next semester,” he said, trying to bring some conversation to the awkward silence that was taking place.
“Oh? That’s amazing, sweetheart! You’ve always had a giving heart. It’s good to see you want to give back to the community,” Mom said.
“It was Kai’s idea. He was helping me decide what to do with my free time since football would be over soon. He did Habitat for Humanity in college. Did you know that? He told me all about it, and it seems cool,” Mano mentioned, trying to make me sound impressive to the two people who were completely unimpressed by my entire existence.
“That’s nice. I wish Kai shared his life with us the way he shared with you, sweetheart,” Mom said, smiling at me.
That smile felt like a dagger to my heart.
“Mom, come on,” Mano urged. “Kai has been nothing but great toward me.”
“Yes, well…it’s possible that we don’t get the same Kai you get, Mano,” she replied.
I felt the rage bubbling up in my gut. “And it’s possible I don’t get the same parents that Mano gets,” I shot back. The moment I said the words, I felt instant regret. I didn’t want to argue with them. I didn’t even want to be at that dinner. The only reason I showed up was for Mano. Still, my speaking up for myself was enough ammo for my father to fire back.